Compare two different advanced registered nurse roles with regard to ethical guidelines. Are there any differences in the ethical guidelines that govern these roles? What situations might require one role to respond differently, depending on the ethical guidelines? At least 300 words with refrences no older than 5 years and intext citation. Apa format
Title: A Comparative Analysis of Ethical Guidelines in Advanced Registered Nurse Roles
Introduction:
Advanced registered nurse roles encompass a variety of specialized positions within the nursing profession. These roles are characterized by elevated levels of education and expertise and often require nurses to make complex ethical decisions in their practice. Ethical guidelines play a pivotal role in guiding the behavior and decision-making process of advanced registered nurses. This essay aims to compare two distinct advanced registered nurse roles and highlight potential differences in the ethical guidelines that govern these roles. Additionally, it will explore situations that may require one role to respond differently based on their specific ethical guidelines.
Comparing Two Advanced Registered Nurse Roles:
For the purpose of this analysis, we will compare the roles of the nurse anesthetist and the clinical nurse specialist. These roles were chosen as they are different in terms of scope of practice, patient population, and ethical considerations. It is important to note that ethical guidelines may vary based on regional, national, and organizational contexts. Therefore, this essay will provide a general overview while acknowledging the need to consult specific guidelines relevant to each advanced registered nurse role.
Ethical Guidelines in Nurse Anesthetist Practice:
Nurse anesthetists are advanced registered nurse practitioners who administer anesthesia and provide care for patients undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has developed a comprehensive Code of Ethics that governs the practice of nurse anesthetists in the United States. The code is rooted in four fundamental ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice (AANA, 2019).
The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals’ right to self-determination and informed decision-making. Nurse anesthetists ensure that patients fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of anesthesia, empowering them to make autonomous choices regarding their care. In contrast, the principle of beneficence obligates nurse anesthetists to act in the patients’ best interests, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the perioperative period. This could include preoperative assessments to identify predisposing factors that may impact anesthesia administration.
The principle of nonmaleficence requires nurse anesthetists to avoid harm to patients. They must carefully administer anesthesia, constantly monitor patients’ vital signs, and intervene promptly in the event of any adverse reactions or complications. Finally, the principle of justice demands that nurse anesthetists distribute anesthesia resources equitably, providing suitable care to all patients regardless of their socioeconomic status or other factors.
Ethical Guidelines in Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice:
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide direct patient care and engage in activities such as education, research, and consultation to enhance the quality of care within a specific patient population or specialty area. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has established ethical guidelines to guide clinical nurse specialists’ practice. These guidelines are guided by principles such as advocacy, accountability, and ethical decision-making (AACN, 2016).
Advocacy is a central principle in the ethical practice of clinical nurse specialists. They are encouraged to be the patients’ voice, promoting their rights, interests, and access to quality care. CNSs may advocate for policy changes, individual patients’ needs, or improvement in the healthcare system for the population they serve. Accountability is another critical principle, where CNSs are expected to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and professional development. They must adhere to standards of practice and conduct themselves with integrity and honesty.
Ethical decision-making is an essential aspect of the CNS role, necessitating a thorough understanding of ethical principles and their application. CNSs often encounter complex ethical dilemmas, such as balancing patient autonomy with beneficence or navigating conflicts between healthcare providers or within interprofessional teams. They must have the competence to analyze the ethical implications of these situations and make patient-centered decisions, guided by their ethical guidelines.
Potential Differences in Ethical Guidelines and Responses:
While both nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists adhere to ethical principles, differences in their roles and practice contexts can lead to variations in their ethical guidelines and responses to certain situations. For example, in the perioperative setting, nurse anesthetists may face ethical dilemmas related to informed consent, decisions about anesthesia techniques, and patient safety during surgery. They must prioritize patients’ safety, sometimes overriding patient autonomy if it conflicts with the principle of nonmaleficence. In contrast, clinical nurse specialists, in their role as patient advocates, may prioritize patient autonomy even in situations where patient choices may contradict medical advice or lead to suboptimal outcomes. They may navigate ethical dilemmas related to patient rights, access to care, and cultural considerations.
Conclusion:
Ethical guidelines play a crucial role in guiding the behavior and decision-making of advanced registered nurses. While nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists are driven by ethical principles, the specific guidelines governing their practice might differ due to variations in scope of practice, patient population, and practice settings. It is essential for advanced registered nurses to continually update their knowledge of these guidelines to ensure the provision of ethical and high-quality care.
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2016). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/About-AACN/Who-We-Are/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). (2019). Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Retrieved from https://www.aana.com/practice/ethics/ethics-and-the-certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist